News

Minutes' silence at Goodison

Published: 08 November, 2012
by Stuart Vose

Clubs to take part in Remembrance commemorations.

Players and fans of both clubs will observe a minutes’ silence ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, in recognition of the country-wide Remembrance Commemorations taking place this weekend.

Sunderland’s squad will also join their Barclays Premier League counterparts in wearing one-off shirts, featuring the poppy emblem. Following the game, the shirts will be individually signed by the players and auctioned via eBay to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

To bid for a shirt, visit www.ebay.com and search for ‘Sunderland AFC’ from Monday 12th November.

SAFC’s commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “The north east is steeped in military history and tradition and it’s hugely important that the club not only pays its respects as part of the wider Remembrance Commemorations, but that we help to raise as much money as possible for the Royal British Legion, who do such a wonderful job in helping our service personnel.”

Sunderland hosted its own tribute to the Armed Forces last weekend as the Black Cats took on Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light. The club was joined by local military personnel from the Coldstream Guards who formed a guard of honour, in full military dress, as the Sunderland and Villa players entered the field of play prior to kick off.

Hundreds of serving military personnel and veterans groups were also present on the day as guests of the club, along with families who lost loved ones in recent conflicts. Members of the Royal British Legion sold poppies in and around the stadium to assist with vital fundraising for veterans.

Representatives from Brothers in Arms, the charity which was set up to build the new war memorial in the City of Sunderland, dedicated to local men and women who have lost their lives in battle or training since the end of the Second World War, were also represented on the day.